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Leather Rot

The fungal

2 host plants

Last updated

Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Causal Agent
Host Plants
Symptoms
Management
GDD Threshold
Regional Notes

Strawberry fruit develops dark-brown lesions that spread, becoming tough and leathery with unpleasant odor. Phytophthora cactorum transmits via rain splash from mummified fruit and soil. Improve drainage with 8-10 inch raised beds, avoid standing water, and mulch to prevent soil splash onto fruit.

Improve drainage of soil before planting so there is no standing water. Plant on beds raised 8 to 10 inches to improve drainage, or use drain furrows.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
The fungal
Host Plants
2

Management

Cultural Controls

  • Improve drainage of soil before planting so there is no standing water.
  • Plant on beds raised 8 to 10 inches to improve drainage, or use drain furrows.
  • In home gardens or small plantings, raise the bed 15 inches.
  • Preplant soil solarization has been helpful in reducing populations of certain soilborne pathogens and weeds in western Oregon.
  • Place clear plastic (preferably anti-condensation film) directly on smooth, rototilled ground, which has been irrigated to field capacity and then allowed to drain for 1-2 days.
  • Bury the edges of the plastic to trap the heat.

Host Plants (2)